Preview: UFC on ESPN 56 Prelims

Welterweights

Kevin Jousset (10-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jared Gooden (23-9, 2-4 UFC)

ODDS: Jousset (-245), Gooden (+200)

This is a well-matched fight, particularly to see what Jousset can continue to accomplish in the UFC. Born in France and training out of New Zealand, Jousset was signed on late notice to help fill out the UFC’s trip to Sydney in September. “Air” had a successful regional career, but his performances were a mixed bag. He’s large for the division and does a solid job of picking his spots, but he’s stiff and unathletic to a point that could be a clear liability at a higher level. However, it’s a case of so far so good two fights into Jousset’s UFC career. He had little issue marching down and tapping out Kiefer Crosbie in his UFC debut, and he successfully avoided trouble against knockout artist Kenan Song in December. Song can be an overly patient counterpuncher at times, so Jousset had little issue picking him apart. However, Gooden is the right next step to see exactly how well Jousset can handle himself under pressure. This marks Gooden’s second stint in the UFC, and “Nite Train” does have the type of game that can succeed on the regional scene but falter at the UFC level. Gooden has some impressive knockout power, but he’s an upright striker whose willingness to march forward and trade often leaves him defensively open. On the plus side, Gooden’s December win over Wellington Turman was his best performance across both of his UFC runs, as he staged a comeback and even scored a submission over an opponent best known for his grappling. As for this fight, he leaves enough openings that Jousset should be able to pick him apart for as long as it lasts, though it’ll be interesting to see exactly how things resolve themselves, namely whether or not the City Kickboxing rep puts his foot on the gas and exactly how much Gooden peters out. The pick is Jousset via third-round stoppage.

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Hooper vs. Borshchev
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Hadley vs. Johnson
Jousset vs. Gooden
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